Funeral Potatoes

Cheesy and delicious Funeral potatoes (aka Cheesy potatoes, Party Potatoes). This simple casserole is a potato lovers dream. With cheesy, sour cream, butter, cream of chicken and born, these potatoes are perfect for any meal or holiday.

Cheesy Potatoes

There are certain side dishes that have to be made on Thanksgiving in our family. Some of those include my aunt’s super yummy Ham, my mom’s famous rolls, and several side dishes, including Funeral Potatoes (also known as Cheesy Potato Casserole, Party Potatoes, Cheesy Potatoes, etc.). Yes, we do have classic Mashed Potatoes as well, but we always have at least two pans of Funeral Potatoes. Usually one has onions in it, and the other one does not (for us picky folk).

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Why are they called Funeral Potatoes? Because this dish has become a staple at funeral luncheons. And since they are so yummy, they are great to have for the holidays with some of our other favorite sides including creamed corn, green bean casserole and homemade macaroni and cheese. We also like to make this all year long because they’re that good – and simple!

I’m not going to lie… I sometimes crave these more than the regular mashed potatoes, BUT having said that I usually have both on Thanksgiving, because I’m just a potato lover!! 😀

How to Make Funeral Potatoes

Once your cubed hash browns are thawed, rinsed and drained, you’ll set them aside and make your cream mixture. This is made by mixing the sour cream, cream of chicken soup and butter. Add salt, onion and cheese to this and mix well.

Combined hash browns with the sour cream mixture and stir until it’s well combined. Pour this into a greased 9×13 pan.

Place your corn flakes in a Ziploc bag with melted butter and mix and crush until well coated. Pour this over the potatoes and bake for 350 for 40 – 50 minutes.

Can you make funeral potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Just make the potatoes up until you pour them into a 9×13 dish. Cover and place in fridge for up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready to cook, add the buttered corn flakes and bake.

Can you freeze funeral potatoes?

You will also make this to the point where you pour the potatoes into the dish. Do not add the cornflakes and instead cover with foil and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw in fridge overnight and then add the cornflakes before baking. We also recommend making them in a disposable dish pan if you are planning to freeze.

How to store/reheat funeral potatoes?

We place the potatoes in an air-tight container and leave in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just place on a plate and reheat in the microwave until heated through.

Can you use toppings other than corn flakes?

Of course. We think corn flakes work the best, but you can also use Panko or even crushed Ritz crackers. Most kind of crackers will do, but Ritz works best if you are going that route.

If you’ve ever had these Cheesy Potatoes, then I’m sure you know just how yummy they really are. The best part is that you can add ingredients like bacon bits or even a few veggies to make them just how you’d like them. 🙂

For more potato casserole recipes, check out:

Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Cheesy and delicious Funeral potatoes (aka Cheesy potatoes, Party Potatoes). This simple casserole is a potato lovers dream. With cheesy, sour cream, butter, cream of chicken and born, these potatoes are perfect for any meal or holiday.

Course
Side Dish

Cuisine
American

Prep Time10minutes

Cook Time40minutes

Total Time50minutes

Servings16

Calories244kcal

AuthorKristyn Merkley

Ingredients

212 oz. packagesFrozen Cubed Hash Brownsthawes

2cupssour cream

1cancream of chicken soup

1/2cupbuttermelted

1tspsalt

1tsponion powderoptional

2cupsshredded cheddar cheese

2-3cupscorn flakescrushed

1/2cupbuttermelted

Instructions

Place your potatoes in a colander. Let set until thawed and drained.

Combine sour cream, soup and butter in a bowl. Mix it well. Add salt, onion and cheese to this mixture and mix until all combined.

Add potatoes to mixture and stir until all combined. Place in 9x13 pan.

Sprinkle on butter covered crushed Corn flakes.

Bake uncovered at 350 for 40-50 minutes.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts

Funeral Potatoes Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 244Calories from Fat 198

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 13g65%

Cholesterol 61mg20%

Sodium 516mg22%

Potassium 69mg2%

Total Carbohydrates 5g2%

Sugars 1g

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A15.4%

Vitamin C1.2%

Calcium14%

Iron7.5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative – from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

Coming from Utah, funeral potatoes are a Sunday dinner staple! They got the name because these potatoes (and at least 2-3 pans of it) can be found at every Mormon funeral lunch-in. Strangely, I never once had them for Thanksgiving dinner. I guess we ate them too many other times throughout the year.

LOL!! We have them all year long too but definitely have them on Thanksgiving… along with Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes and any every other kind of potato recipe you can think of. We LOVE potatoes in our fam. 😉

The nutritional info listed says just 5 carbs Per serving…which Is impossible since 1 med poTato cOntains 37g Of carbs…and these are topped with corn flakes…= even more carbs! I doubt we’ll be watching our weight on thankagiving but as a keto fanatic thOught i’d point that out in case yOu’re watching yOur CaRbs

I was just about to explain that. I’m a Latter-day Saint from Seattle and we call them that, too. The women’s organization in each LDS congregation cater and serve a luncheon to the grieving family after the funeral. I’m looking the recipe up for a funeral on Saturday. ???? I’ve always chopped up green onions for this instead of the powder.

yum yum yum – just made these last night to go with sloppy joes – we make em with cream of mushroom soup and “top the tator” or french onion dip in place of the sour cream – mmmm!! had leftovers for breakfast – that’s not weird, is it??

My mom’s family is from Utah and my grandma told me they are called “funeral potatoes” because everyone brings them to your house after a funeral. When my grandpa passed away 10+ years ago I asked my grandma, “Why do you have so many pans of hashbrown casserole?!” She laughed and said they were “funeral potatoes” and she didn’t know why, but people always bring them! And they’re delicious!

If they’re called Funeral Potatoes the best reason I can think of is because they are the ultimate “comfort food.” We just love them here in Wisconsin and have them anytime more than three people get together 🙂

We call these Yummy Potatoes at our house…I’ve also heard them called Crack Potatoes. They will be gracing our Thanksgiving in addition to mashed potatoes and Sweet potatoes with Marshmallows roasted on top.Mmmmmmmmm

Your aunt must’ve had a connection in Utah or to someone in the LDS faith. The reason they’ve been called funeral potatoes is because after an LDS funeral the Relief Society ladies and sometimes the Priesthood members would help out with a luncheon for the family and close friends of the deceased, giving them a bit of reprieve from feeding their families after the services. More often than not, Funeral potatoes were served due to the simplicity and inexpensive cost of their preparation, as well as ease to make. Thankyou for sharing. Janalou

I love them! I make it with grated hash browns and we call it Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole. It is deliciousness at its finest. I have to try your version because it looks so scrumptious in the pics.

My grandma was famous for these potatoes. We call them “Grandma’s Potatoes” in our family 😉 But yes, every Thanksgiving and Christmas we HAD to have these! Now my sister and I make them, without fail, for our families!

Funeral Potatoes come from the Mormon culture of having a potluck after a funeral. It was always held in the multipurpose room (gym, dining room, rec room, crafts room) and funeral potatoes seemed to always be on the menu.

I was just checking to see if the 12 oz of hashbrowns was the total amount, or 2- 12 oz bags. We are making these for our Ward’s Christmas dinner, and I need to make 28 pans of them. I wanted to be sure I bought the correct amount. I am buying everything in bulk, so I am converting it all so I can more easily figure out how much of everything I need to get.

Just made your funeral potatoes and they are absolutely delicious 🙂 I tried your recipe vs the one that I usually use the only thing I would do different is put fresh onions in it and definitely use the diced breakfast potatoes instead of hashbrowns. Sadly it dried out the flavors a bit with shredded 🙁

We call them funeral potatoes because the women of the church used to make them for the meals they served to families following funerals at the church. We don’t put corn flakes in ours. They are great to feed a bunch of people

I almost always make these from potatoes i have peeled, diced, and shredded myself. I also use cream of mushroom soup and green onions. Cream of mushroom is like a “secret ingredient” even people I know who hate cream of mushroom or mushrooms in general always rave about how my funeral potatoes are “better” than any others, then I tell them why…

I am wondering if I can make these in a crockpot. I have made them for years but never in a crockpot. We are having a potluck at work this week and said that I would bring them but have no way to heat them up if I bake it at home.

I just went to the store to get the ingredients to make this potato dish and all I found was a 30 oz. bag. I know it say’s 2 12 oz. bags but either way this doesn’t seem to serve many and I was wondering how many does this recipe serve? If I double the recipe it seems like it would be to much sour cream and soup and would it still fit into my 9×13 pan? Thanks for any info.

my MIL always cooks her own potatoes, let’s them cool then shreds them. Just as good, but a lot more work than the frozen. Make sure you let the frozen hash browns thaw completely before mixing them in so they absorb all the yummy flavors!

It does take awhile to thaw in the colander, so we usually let them thaw for awhile in there and also pour hot water over them. Putting them in the fridge to thaw works too or even setting them out on the counter over night. 😉

We call these “Cheese Potatoes” in our family. I’ve been making them for many years and they are a staple at all of the family dinners. You can use the southern style or the hash brown shred style or mix both for a twist. If you really want to put them over the top, fry up some bacon and add it to before baking. You can also mix in carmelized onions. Soooo good! 🙂 These go great as a side with a meat dish and are equally good for breakfast/brunch on Christmas morning as a side with quiche that you’ve made ahead so you can enjoy family time with everyone.

These look amazing! Going to make them for Thanksgiving this year but was wondering if I can assemble the day before and keep in the fridge? Then add the cornflakes/butter right before I put the in the oven. How would that affect the cook time? Thank you!!!

I make a casserole very similar to this. Mine has ham in it to make it a main dish.
It is really good and a wonderful dish to take to someone how needs a meal for their family.
Maybe with a side of green beans or carrots.

I know why they’re called funeral potatoes. Because back in the day, all the female friends and family, made sure that there was enough food in the house that everyone who came back to the house after the funeral service would have a wide variety to eat. The ladies would have it all ready to go. So the conversation would go something like this. Imogene, are you going to bring that great roast beef you make. But of course. Betty, do you want to do that pudding cake or bar cookies this time. Oh I think the pudding cake. Ok Georgette, can you make that fabulous wedding shower salad? And I think I’ll make my funeral potatoes they always go well.

As a child I was privy to lots of these conversations, while my mom and her friends planned occasions. Recently my mom had a wedding shower for my daughter. Sitting on the table was the Patio Chicken Salad. Served both at my shower, my wedding, and every patio party my mom has ever gone to. One of my favorites.

People called this dish funeral potatoes because the casserole is commonly served as a side dish during traditional after-funeral dinners, such as those planned by members of Relief Society (a LDS auxiliary organization).

My ex sister-in-law taught me this recipe about 23 years ago, but she just called it Potato Casserole. It was so good that I committed the recipe to memory! I have switched it up from time to time and added things like crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, and even chopped broccoli. Land ‘O Lakes makes a sour cream with onions & chives, so I’ve used that as well. This dish gets made at least once a month in my house, and we have often been known to make it as a side-dish for breakfast too. Whenever I make this, I always make a second batch. I bake one for the meal, and the second batch I mix and store in a large Ziploc bag (I keep the potatoes frozen) and throw it in the freezer for later use; just thaw the entire bag in the fridge while I’m at work and then throw it in a casserole dish and cook it that evening! Great comfort food!!!

Any tips for making ahead of time? Should I wait to add the corn flakes until I reheat? I’m in charge of potatoes this Thanksgiving, and staying at my Aunt’s the night before (so I’ll have to make them before I leave for her house). They want to have as much as possible done the night before so we just have to reheat when we get home from black Friday shopping. Tips?

Hi there, I made these last night for dinner. Had never heard of them before but seemed so delicious I had to try them. Only thing I changed I did Bran Flakes instead of Corn flakes. They were indeed delicious. But I thot this had too much butter as came out a little runny & could see it on the plates as I served it. My hubby who is totally against greasy mentioned it. So I think next time which there will be a next time I will use less butter. Thanks for sharing.

I have a question. We call these Grandma’s Potates too. My family has several people that are diabetic and we are wondering if anyone has ever made this receipe using sweet potatoes, the yellow ones, instead of regular potatoes? Any ideas. Thanks

These are called “Funeral Potatoes” because funerals at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a luncheon after the funeral and serve ham and these potatoes. Green jello is usually served as well????.

Hmmm…if you can’t find them in the frozen aisle at the grocery store, maybe you could cut up potatoes (peeled) into very small pieces?? Not sure if they’d need to be frozen and how that changes the recipe. I’ve never made them any other way, so this is just a guess. I’d love to know if you make them and what you do! Thank you!

I had to chuckle when I saw the recipe for funeral potatoes. I didn’t think anyone but my church group called them by that name. This is a dish that someone always brings to the funeral dinner. It is easy to make, feeds several, and everyone likes. That is why we call them funeral potatoes.

your recipes always turn out soooooo good. I always add my touch add a little garlic here or Hatch green chili…..nothing big just my personal taste added…and I have never had a failure…family always eats and most of all the like and enjoy. Thank you

Funeral Potatoes are called that because in the Church of Later Day Saints community whenever we have a funeral the church usually provides the meat and the women bring the sides, dessert for the meal after the funeral services. Usually these potatoes were one if the sides in the menu. It’s also where green jello salad got famous.

Hey we make this recipe all the time little bit different variation. The reason why it’s called funeral potatoes the way I understand it is because many Christian religions are especially the Mormons make it for the dinner served after funerals.

I have a friend who comes from Idaho. She said Funeral Potatoes were a dish served at funerals when they were pot-luck affairs in the old days. As well, they were one of the casseroles people brought to the families in mourning. I gather most people didn’t get to eat this dish except around funerals, hence the name.

Funeral potatoes are called harvest potatoes where I come from. Probably called funeral potatoes because all these country women from church prepare them to take to families who have lost a loved one. Easy to make and easy for the family to reheat

If I’m More than doubling the recipe and let’s say have 3 cups of sour cream and 2 cups of cream cheese do u think that will mix ok together and work? I didn’t realize the recipe called for 2 bags of 12oz bags of hash brown potatoes and have one bag of 32oz potatoes!! Need to send my fiancé with a dish to take to his fathers funeral tomorrow!!!

hello , for what ever reason i had no corn flakes on hand; I went to the shop to see if they had some no-just frosted flakes i chose not to buy frosted flakes but instead decided to use captain crunch instead. it was a disaster i used a stick of butter for the top and a stick of butter for the goop i think i misread the recipe because when it was finished cooking it was just surrounded by tons of butter. the captain crush looked so gross as when i crushed it it turned green and man i’m telling you don’t substitute cereals and don’t add too much butter. but i tell you what nothing will bring a smile on someones face like “la capiton croonch de papa funerl “

Funeral potatoes (also known as Mormon funeral potatoes or party potatoes[1][2][3]) is a traditional potato hotdish or casserole[4] that originated in the Intermountain West region of the United States. Both Mormon and Southern[5] people call this dish “funeral potatoes” because the casserole is commonly served as a side dish during traditional after-funeral dinners,[6] such as those planned by members of the Relief Society[7] (a LDS auxiliary organization). The dish is also served at other social gatherings such as potlucks, typically in areas with a significant Latter-day Saint population in the Mormon Corridor.[8]

Hi,
I’m trying this for the first time for Easter. You mention onions, & we’re onion lovers, but you don’t mention them in the actual recipe. Should I sauté some first & add to other ingredients, or add raw? Sounds delicious & similar to a potato dish I had at Coola’s Fish Bar in Florida which they are famous for them!

I know I am answering after Easter, so I am sorry about that. I try not to do work on weekends. I personally don’t like onions, that’s why I leave them out, but you could totally add some. You could saute them a little first or add them raw, since they will cook in the oven.

Made these for Easter yesterday. Huge success. Everyone had seconds. I didn’t think ahead and all my 9×13 were in use for other easter dishes AND I doubled the recipie since I had 12 guests! I used three 9 inch rounds and followed the recipie to the tee. The first dish was gone in seconds, literally. You should have seen my guests faces when I brought out the other 2 rounds. First, relief then joy. Thanks for the recipie. I’ve only used shredded before but I will use diced from now on. Give it a much hardier bite and adds more “comfort” to this comfort food. Which is also why I thought they were named funeral potatos. Anyway, great recipie.

Aw, good ol funeral potatoes! I have had many many versions of this dish and this one is by far my favorite. I’m like you, NO onions! All other funeral potato recipes need to disappear, so that everyone only makes this one 🙂

You say to use half a cup of butter… then you say to add th butter to the potato mix. But later on in the recipe it says to add butter to the cornflakes. How much goes in the mix and how much is mixed into the flakes???

I know there are lots of different versions of funeral potatoes, but this one takes the cake! I can always tell, when at big church events, if someone has used your recipe. Its the only one I ever bring and the only one I’ll serve on my plate! Super good!

I have to commend you for replying to comments and questions on this recipe for 3 years! That is dedication!
In my family we call these Cheesy Potatoes and top them with bbq chips. My Grandma made them for every holiday but she passed that job to me when it got to hard for her to mix it all up.

I’ve seen many variations of this recipe, some call for two cans of cream of chicken and some only call for one? Have you tried with 2 cans bEfore? Im trIpling This recipe for this Tuesday and dont want to mess it up!

I meant per seRviNg. ive seen people use one can, but also some people use two cans. I was wondering if you tried It with 2 canS of Soup before (per one Listed serving)? If you have, do you feel it ends up being too ruNny/soupy? (literally) lol.

IT IS SHOWN IN THE VIDEO – – – – BUT – – – – IN YOUR WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS YOU LEFT OUT PUTTING CORN FLAKES & BUTTER IN ZIP LOCK BAG & CRUSHING THEM – TO BE SPRINKLED OVER THE TOP OF THE FINISHED PRODUCT BEFORE BAKING.

I’ve had funeral potatoes all my childhood. Now i am in a different country preparing for my first Thanksgiving away from home. I had to really search for some of the ingredients, and I have to make my own cream of chicken substitute (https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/condensed-cream-of-chicken-substitute/ in case anyone else needs it). but really this recipe is so easy! I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out tomorrow with my friends. I really enjoyed reading all the comments. It really got me Into the mood. I’m going to try and make it with fresh potatoes (they don’t sell frozen potatoes in this country). I’ll let y’all know how it goes!

I MAKE TWO minor changes. I add a can of cream of celery soup too and I use the “dried” hashbrowns (hungry Jack or Idahoan) due to having limited freezer space so frozen HB’s take up too valuable freezer space. I love this recipe otherwise.

I am making these for a Christmas gathering, but dont have any cornflakes. I have potato chips and Ritz crackers. Do you think either of these would work? Also i definitely would add butter to the ritz crackers, but what about the potato chips?

Love Love Love your Funeral potatoes. I have been trying to find one just like my husband’s grandma made years ago but couldn’t find the same one until now. thank you so much for sharing it with us. you are the best. this funeral potatoes is the best and what we call in our family; “yummy potatoes”.

I tried these for the first time last night. If I make them again, I would reduce the butter by half, at least. they came out way too greasy. In looking at other recipes on line, they use much less butter. I’m wondering if the recipe listed the 1/2 cup of butter twice by mistake? and then needs to be divided. the potatoes are creamy. I think I would also prefer using chopped onions instead of onion powder. Overall good, but adjustments needed for me. thanks for sharing! I’m looking forward to trying other recipes.

I Have made these using Ritz crackers instead of cornflakes. They are a must have for our Christmas dinner. I did want to point out that the recipe is not gluten free because of the can of cream of chicken soup which contains wheat unless you buy a gluten free version.. Also the cornflakes have to be gluten free corn flakes At our house we take a serving out for the gluten free before we add the soup and ritz cracker crumbs it is still yummy